Toronto, September 2025 — Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) and BMO are proud to announce a comprehensive, nationwide partnership designed to support Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs across Canada. Through this initiative, BMO will support the CBCC Innovation Hubs and Chapters located in Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario and Western Canada. The CBCC will provide hands-on business advisory and educational support to Black entrepreneurs who are committed to growing their business to the next level.

A National Rollout with Local Impact

As part of their shared commitment to remove barriers to business success, the BMO and CBCC partnership will support continued success through established CBCC Innovation Hubs and Chapters that are strategically located in the provinces of Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. These Innovation Hubs and Chapters will serve as central points for collaboration, learning, networking, mentorship, and business incubation and growth for Black entrepreneurs from coast to coast.

The Avro Arrow Elevate Business Program (AAEBP) is a dynamic initiative focused on fostering programming expertise and entrepreneurial skills to aspiring and leading Black-led firms across Canada. Through the CBCC 360 analysis of each Program Participants’ business, Hub and Business Advisors will explore desired goals and outcomes of each program participant and work with them to accomplish the desired results through our 12 Business Module program guideline.

Expert-Led Advisory and Entrepreneurial Programming

Throughout the program, skilled business advisors will provide specialized support in areas such as business plans, financial planning, business management, franchising, mergers and acquisitions, and branding and marketing. The program is aimed at Black entrepreneurs in high-growth retail, advanced manufacturing, technology, AI, clean-tech, agri-foods, and unique start-up growth sectors.

Commencing on October 1, 2025, program participants will benefit from intensive business advisory services, customized curriculum development, ongoing mentorship, culminating in regional and national pitch contests with a graduation that will take place in the spring of 2026. 

Key Deliverables and Milestones

Key elements of the partnership include:

• One-year, six months & 90-Days of Core CBCC Avro Arrow Elevate Business Program
• Comprehensive group and one-on-one business advisory, coaching and mentorship
• Increased networking, trade, procurement and business opportunities
• Access to Master Classes taught by sector experts within the outlined modules
• Access to growth business software that enhances a business.
• Positive business strategies and guidance on how to work with financial institutions, lenders, investors, and shareholders
• Coaching on how to deliver a purposeful pitch to elevate and differentiate a business.
• Increased growth strategies to increase revenues and profit margins
• Access to promote one’s business on CBCC Black Business Direct and in our Newsletter
• Certificate upon completion of the program
• BMO support across the CBCC Innovation Hubs and Chapters across Canada

Investment in the Future of Black-Owned Businesses

This program will fund business advisory services, office operations, technology, marketing, pitch contest prizes, and professional recruitment that ensure high-caliber guidance for program participants.

Removing Barriers. Empowering Growth.

This ambitious initiative seeks to help Black-owned firms achieve significant growth, targeting businesses with annual revenues of $100,000–$250,000 and supporting their momentum toward their first $1 million and beyond. Program participants will benefit from curriculum-driven business planning, 1 to 3-year financial projections, active networking opportunities, and enhanced relationships with financial institutions and potential investors. 

At BMO, we believe building a thriving economy includes empowering all entrepreneurs with the opportunities and resources to innovate, grow their businesses, and make real progress,” said Hassan Pirnia, Head, Canadian Business Banking, BMO.. “Our partnership with the CBCC will unlock potential and drive growth for Black-led businesses across Canada.“

“The Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce is delighted to collaborate with BMO Financial Group in creating new pathways for Black business success. By working together, we can break down persistent barriers and build a robust ecosystem for Black entrepreneurs,” said Michael Forrest, Founder, Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce

For More Information

Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce
Sheares “Banki” Benjamin – Marketing and Communications
Email: banki@canadianblackchamber.ca
Toll-Free: 1-855-687-6222
Tel: +1-416-613-6206 ext. 5222

BMO Financial Group

Anke Suwanda
Email: anke.suwanda@bmo.com 

About the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce:

The Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) is a national, non-profit, bilingual organization incorporated in 2018 that serves as the hub of the Canadian Black business ecosystem. Guided by the vision of creating generational wealth and trust, CBCC’s mission is to advance Black businesses through education, empowerment, and collaboration. The organization provides opportunities and support for entrepreneurs and Black-owned businesses across Canada by facilitating networking events, delivering programs, and building business skills through learning opportunities. Operating under the tagline “Driving the Black Business Renaissance,” CBCC fosters commerce and economic development that strengthens Black communities and contributes to Canada’s prosperity.

About BMO Financial Group:

BMO Financial Group is the seventh largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.4 trillion as of July 31, 2025. Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to 13 million customers across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive society.